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Trench coats are the classic, waist-whittling rain gear that let you splash through a storm while always looking stylish. But after a while, waterproof trench coats can lose their water-repelling abilities. Don’t give up on your coat just yet -- you can use a process known as reproofing to give your coat a new, water-repellant life.
When You Need It
No perfect formula exists for knowing how long the initial waterproof coating for your coat will last, but there are some ways you can tell it may be time to reproof. Beyond getting soaked when you’re out in the rain, you can sprinkle some water droplets down your trench. If the water droplets bead up and run off your coat, you’re not due for reproofing just yet. If they don’t -- it may be time to reproof.
Start With Cleaning
Reproofing your trench coat is kind of like putting a topcoat over your nail polish -- you don’t want to apply a topcoat to a dirty fingernail, just as you don’t want to apply a waterproofing seal to a trench coat that’s not freshly cleaned. Since waterproofed fabrics often have different washing requirements than a traditional wash-and-go cotton, read the instructions carefully, even if that means a trip to the cleaners. You may find you need a special waterproof fabric wash you can add to your washing machine.
Waterproof Treatment
To restore the water-repellant capabilities to your trench, you’ll need a specialized waterproofing spray or a wash. These are available at many discount superstores, online and at department stores that sell raingear and trench coats. If you choose a spray, zip up and close the pockets, hang up your trench coat and start spraying. Read the instructions on your waterproofing spray carefully because some waterproofing sprays work best on damp trench coats. A lot of times, you may need to follow the spray up with a tumble in the dryer because the heat can set your waterproofing spray. If you choose a waterproof wash, you’ll pour the wash into your washing machine and let your washer do the work.
Call in the Experts
If you aren’t ready to make the jump to reproofing your trench at home, you may want to give your trench’s manufacturer a call. That’s because many manufacturers will offer a reproofing service to keep your coat in top shape. Even if your manufacturer doesn’t, your dry cleaner might.
